Just the Facts: A closer look at Eli Manning's first 500-yard game

Giants quarterback Eli Manning leaves the field at Metlife Stadium after throwing for 510 yards in a 41-34 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Click here for the full-size graphic.Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger

Sunday at MetLife Stadium, Eli Manning was elite -- especially in the end.

Prior to rallying the Giants for a 41-34 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a superlative fourth quarter, his day was frustrating at best. He had thrown three interceptions, one that was taken back for a touchdown, and the Giants trailed, 27-16.

Still, Manning responded with his ninth come-from-behind victory in the past two seasons, completing 31 of his 51 passes for a career-high 510 yards. Only twice before had Manning attempted more passes (53 in a 2005 loss at the Seahawks and a 2007 loss vs. the Redskins). And he has completed more passes only three times before (34 in 2010 vs. the Titans, and 33 twice).

His 243 passing yards in the final 15 minutes were more than Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Matt Schaub (Texans), Matthew Stafford (Lions) and Christian Ponder (Vikings) threw for in their Week 2 games.

Also worth pointing out: Starting with Manning's 80-yard touchdown to Victor Cruz on third-and-2, he completed 6 of his final 7 passes for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In that span of 6 minutes 59 seconds, Manning had a perfect passer rating of 158.3.

One final note: With his 713 yards through two games, Manning is on pace to break Drew Brees' single-season passing record of 5,476 yards with a new mark of 5,704 yards.